Forward
International Aerospace Group (IAQG) procedure 103 defines the process for providing "clarifications" to published standards. Below are clarification questions and responses received by the Sector Document Representatives (SDR's) over the past three years. It is intended that these FAQ's be updated as new questions are received.

Standards provide requirements but are prohibited from providing methods for meeting those requirements.

The 9102 standard is not intended to be used to assess compliance to any other published standard.

9102 may be self imposed or required by contract but is not required by any other published standard.

To use this document, scroll through or use the links in the Table below. To return, use "Control Home" on your keyboard.

I1. Question
What is the value of the FAI process?

I1. Response
The value of the First Article Inspection is to validate that the product realization processes are capable of producing parts and assemblies that meet engineering, design requirements.

The Intent of First Article Inspection is to:

Reduce future escapes, risks, and total costs

Help ensure safety of flight

Improve Quality, Delivery, and Customer Satisfaction

Reduce costs and production delays associated with product nonconformances

A well planned and executed FAI will provide objective evidence that the manufacturer's processes can produce compliant product and that they have understood and incorporated requirements.

First Article Inspection (FAI) will:

Provide confidence that the processes are capable of producing conforming product

Demonstrate that the manufacturers of the product have an understanding of requirements

Provide objective evidence of process capability as defined in this standard

Provide assurance of product conformance at the start of series production and after changes as outlined in this standard.

Reduce potential risks associated with production startup and process changes

Linkage to other IAQG FAI documents:

I2. Question
When should an organization begin the First Article Inspection Process?

I2. Response
The Organization should have a process to plan for completion of First Article Inspection, or should plan First Article Inspection activities prior to the First Production Run. FAI planning should address the activities to be performed throughout the First Article Inspection process and the responsible organizations for those activities.

I3. Question
What steps are critical to developing a good first article?

I3. Response
The organization should consider the following activities during FAI planning, and if required, coordinate planning with customer.

Determination of Design Characteristic inspection and sequencing for inspection of characteristics not measurable in the final product.

Extraction of DPD (Digital Product Design) Characteristics required for product realization that are not fully defined on 2D drawing, from DPD, including tolerances for nominal dimensions.

Determination of objective evidence to be included in the FAIR for each Design Characteristic.

Determination that approved Special Process, laboratory, material sources, and customer required sources are identified (as applicable), and that the manufacturing planning, routing and purchasing document calls out the correct specification and sources.

Determination that Key Characteristic and Critical Item requirements are identified, as applicable (see International Aerospace Standards 9103 or 9100 for guidance).

Determination when part specific gages and tooling are required, they are identified, qualified and traceable, as applicable.

Provide for customer FAI review, if required.

Events requiring an updated FAI

I4. Question
The current revision of 9102 does address Digital Product Designs. How is an organization expected to complete FAI if there is no traditional 2D drawing?

I4. Response:
When design requirements are in a DPD format and traditional 2D drawing information is not available for all applicable design requirements, DPD design characteristics required for product realization should be extracted, verified, and included in the First Article Inspection Report. To complete the FAI the organization should:

Establish a process to extract the applicable DPD design characteristics.

Extract the DPD design characteristics required for product realization. The characteristics required to actually manufacture the product must also be inspected, all dimensional characteristics or feature definitions.

Ensure the production, inspection, and operations requiring verification have been completed as planned to achieve DPD design characteristics.

A1. Question:
Are requirements defined as "CR" in the forms ( 1-3 ) to be filled only when there is a special requirement from the customer or, always filled when applicable?

A1. Response:
"Special requirement from the customer" is only an example of Conditionally Required (CR) items must be filled in when "applicable". For example, not all parts have a serial number but when they do you must fill in that block (form 1 block 3). The same is true for the other "CR" blocks. When not applicable or required by engineering, leave them blank or write N/A.

A2. Question:
What are some examples entries for form 1, field 9 (required field)?

A2. Response:
The intent is to provide linkage to the planning/router that was used during the manufacture of the FAI part/assembly. Some companies track parts with a production control number and a "router issue number". Production control numbers are usually for cost collection and order tracking and router issue can be directly correlated to the router. You may use anything that provides linkage to the exact router/planning used during FAI.

A3. Question:
Form 1 Field #9: Manufacturing Process Reference. Please elaborate on what is required?

A3. Response:
The purpose of field 9 on form 1 is to provide traceability from the FAI part to the router/planning used to manufacture the part. Any number or reference that provides that traceability is acceptable.

A4. Question:
Are the forms in the standard examples or are they mandatory?

A4. Response:
You may create your own forms but they must require the same information as the forms provided and must be numbered with the same box numbers. See4.7.1.c..... Forms other than those contained in the Appendix may be used; however they must contain all "Required" and "Conditionally Required" information and have the same field reference numbers.

A5. Question:
Can parts lists, reports and other records be noted on the forms and attached rather than copying all the data onto the forms?

A5. Response:
Yes, you may reference the attachments on the forms and attach parts lists, reports etc. You may also attach drawings to form 3 and note the drawing on the form as long as the characteristics and results are clearly identified on the drawing. Any efficient, time saving method is acceptable but you must maintain clear traceability and the data on the attachments must be verified.
When automated inspection tooling produces measurement results, those results may be referenced on form 3, identified as pass/fail, and attached when:

The characteristic numbers on form 3 are clearly linked in the attached report

The results in the attached reports are clearly traceable to the characteristic numbers on form 3.

The results are directly comparable to the Design Characteristic. E.g., coordinate data alone would not be acceptable for a positional tolerance; the results should show the actual positional value.

A6. Question:
How should multiple pages of forms be numbered?

A6. Response:
Each form is to numbered independent of the others. The reason for three forms is that in some companies, different people or organizations fill out the different forms. It is acceptable to combine them.

A7. Question:
Can an electronic signature be used in block 19 of form 1?

A7. Response:
An electronic signature is acceptable as long as it is acceptable within your Quality management system. The Quality management system must define electronic signature usage and control.

A8. Question:
Form 1 block 14 - What does baseline mean?

A8. Response:
This refers to the previous FAI part number, or approved configuration, including revision level, to which a partial FAI is performed. An example of an approved configuration could be a part produced prior to the requirement of this standard.

A9. Question:
Can a part produced prior to the application of this standard, be a Baseline Part Number without clear evidence of each design characteristic?

A9. Response:
Even if there is no FAIR or detail verification data for each design characteristics (e.g., numerical data), it can be considered a Baseline Part number, as long as the product had already been verified, produced and addressed as conforming product. See Question B9.

A10. Question:
Form 2 box 7 - What should be entered in this field?

A10. Response:
Block 7 on form 2 is an optional field. Some companies have special codes for different processes and require an entry in this field. If you or your customer has no special code, leave the block blank or mark it N/A.

A11. Question:
If using electronic forms and have multiple pages, what fields are required on subsequent pages for each form?

A11. Response:
If you are using electronic forms, you can just add rows and additional sheets won't be required. If you are converting the forms to paper and need additional pages, follow the note at the top of the forms instructions: "NOTE: Fields 1-4 are repeated on all forms for convenience and traceability." Repeat fields 1-4 on each additional sheet.

A12. Question:
What is the purpose of block 14 on form 3?

A12. Response:
Form 3 Box 14 is an optional field for the user to add columns and information that are in addition to the requirements of the standard. Since it is optional and at your discretion, you may add columns and titles for those columns as you see fit. You may not rearrange or change any other portion of the form.

A13. Question:
What are "characteristic designators" for form 3 box 7?

A14. Response:
Instructions for completing each field in the 9102 forms are contained within 9102. To comply with the standard, you should have an internal procedure defining your method. You can purchase 9102 in many languages from approved publishers like SAE, SJAC & ASD-STAN.

B. When to Perform an FAI

B1. Question:
When a lapse in production of 2 or more years occurs, is a Full or Partial FAI required?

B1. Response:
Normally, a Full FAI would be required. If you perform Partial FAI, your FAI procedure should describe the procedure and rational required, and you have to clarify the reason why you choose Partial FAI instead of Full FAI and record the reason on field No.14 of Form 1. Note: this may be subject to customer approval.

B2. Question:
After an initial FAI is complete, is a supplier required to complete partial FAI's when inspection frequency and methods are changed?

B2. Response:
FAI (Complete/Partial) would be required for the changed inspection when the tool listed on Form 3 field 10 is changed.

B3. Question:
If Manufacturing is moved from one location/facility to another, is a new FAI required?

B3. Response:
9102 - 4.6.f.1 states: A change in manufacturing source(s), process(es), inspection method(s), location of manufacture, tooling or materials, that can potentially affect fit, form or function. The key wording is "potentially affect fit, form or function". If you have good rationale supporting a position that the change doesn't "potentially affect fit, form or function" (and you can convince your customer) an updated FAI is not required. The move distance isn't a factor. Record the reason for Partial FAI on field No.14 of Form 1.

B4. Question:
In4.6.f, there are conditions that require a new or partial FAI when a change occurs "that can potentially affect fit, form or function". How is this assessed?

B4. Response:
The only people able to evaluate these changes for "fit, form or function" are those knowing the product, the processes, the environment and knowing which problems occurred in the past (lessons learned). These people belong to the producer ("the organization" in 9100). You may also be influenced by your customer. Standards provide requirements but cannot provide methods for meeting the requirements. The organization should have a process to determine who is responsible for addressing events requiring an updated FAI.

B5. Question:
Is a partial FAI required for all natural or manmade events that affect the manufacturing process?

B5. Response:
The key wording is "that affect the manufacturing process." If a company has provisions, such as calibration or recovery procedures, to validate that the equipment is not affected, then an update is not required.

B6. Question:
Can an Assembly FAI be completed when one or more of the detail parts has not completed the FAI process?

B6. Response:
Unless the failed detail FAI affects the fit, form or function of the assembly, the Assembly FAI can be completed if it complies with 9102. The failed detail stands on its own, and it alone requires a FAI in accordance with paragraph 4.4.

B7. Question:
When engineering provides alternates (material, fasteners, etc) must the FAI be repeated when the alternate is used?

B7. Response:
A partial or full FAI would be required when an alternate is used. This is to account for compliance to the engineering used requirement. The determination of partial or full would depend on your assessment of the potential for affecting fit, form, or function.

B8. Question:
When the supplier for a process specified by the drawing is changed, must the FAI be redone?

B8. Response:
Yes, you or your new supplier must perform a partial FAI covering the processes/characteristics moved. Moving to a new supplier provides the "Potential" to affect fit, form or function. Also see answer to question B3.

B9. Question:
If a baseline FAI exists but is to a system used prior to 9102, must the baseline FAI be updated to 9102 prior to performing a new partial FAI?

B9. Response:
9102 is not retroactive. A 9102 partial may be completed using the original completed baseline. See QuestionA9

B10. Question:
Is a FAI required for unique single run production orders.

B10. Response:
Section 1.3 states that unless contractually required, the standard does not apply to "Unique single run production orders, not intended for ongoing production." Single Run production orders are a one-time run of a product that is not intended for ongoing production, but may be installed on a production unit.

C. Standard Catalog Hardware (SCH)

C1. Question:
Where is Standard Catalog Hardware (SCH) entered on the First Article Inspection Report (FAIR)?

C1. Response:
Standard Catalog Hardware (SCH), when used as purchased, is entered on form 1 using its catalog part number. If Standard Catalog Hardware (e.g., AN, MS fasteners) are modified, then list that standard hardware on form 2, field 6.

C2. Question:
How is standard Catalog Hardware defined?

C2. Response:
Any item purchased from a catalog available to the public is considered Standard Catalog Hardware. 9102 A defines STANDARD CATALOG HARDWARE as: A part or material that conforms to an established industry or national authority published specification, having all characteristics identified by text description, or industry/national/military standard drawing.

C3. Question:
Are company designed standards, like Boeing's BAC standards, considered Standard Catalog Hardware?

C3. Response:
No. Company designed standards are not available to the public and do not meet the definition. In your process you may conclude that the designer and/or the qualified manufacturer have FAI's for these standards on file. Company designed standards are entered on form 1. (see answer to Question C1).

D. Similar Parts

D1. Question:
Paragraph 4.6 states in part - FAI requirements may be satisfied by previously approved FAI performed on identical characteristics of similar parts produced by identical means. How similar do the parts have to be?

D1. Response:
If a series of parts are made using the same processes and the parts are identical except for a few characteristics, a complete FAI can be done on one part and for the others, account for the unique characteristics. On form 3 for the "other parts", record the unique characteristics and refer back to the full FAI for the identical characteristics. The key is traceability and that all characteristics are accounted for.

E. Purchase Order Requirements

E1. Question:
Does 9102 allow inspection to Purchase Order requirements?

E1. Response:
Yes. The 9102 definition of drawing requirements indicates that the requirement may be invoked by purchasing document. 9102 definitions: "DRAWING REQUIREMENTS: ”Requirements of the drawing and associated parts lists, specification, or purchasing document to which the product is to
be produced from, including any notes, specifications, and lower-level drawings invoked.." Use Form 1, field 8 to list the Additional Changes. The Additional Changes in the Purchase Order including added and deleted characteristics are to be reported in Form 3. (eg. omit fasteners, excess material)

F. General Questions

F1. Question:
Are 9100 requirements duplicated in 9102?

F1. Response:
9102 requirements are not intended to duplicate 9100 requirements or test 9100 compliance. Each is a standalone standard.

F2. Question:
What is the relationship between 9102 paragraph 4.6 and 9100 paragraph 7.5.1.1?

F2. Response:
9102 is one means of meeting 7.5.1.1 but is not mandated by 9100.

F3. Question:
What does "First Production Run" mean?

F3. Response:
The first production run is the first group of one or more parts that are the result of a planned process designed to be used for future production of these same parts. The first production delivery parts require an FAI. Development and prototype parts that are not intended for production use are not considered as part of the first production run.

F4. Question:
How is a partial FAI documented?

F4. Response:
When performing a partial FAI, use form 1 and only the additional forms required to document the change. Also, reference the original FAI on form 1, field 14. The original forms must never be altered. You may use attachments to any form if more space is needed.

F5. Question:
Can an FAI be completed when a non-conformance exists?

F5. Response:
The non-conformance must be corrected and the correction verified and documented on new forms at the next production run before considering the FAI "completed".
The FAI with design characteristic nonconformance(s) is Not Complete. An FAI with noted nonconforming design characteristics should have block 19 signed and noted as “Not Complete”

When processing a FAIR with documented nonconformances:

Record the nonconforming design characteristic(s) on form 3.

Record the nonconformance document reference number on form 3 field 11.

Check the box "FAI Not Complete" on form 1 field 19. Note: this standard does not control disposition of the nonconformance.

The Organization implements corrective actions and performs a partial FAI for all affected characteristics on the next production run after implementation of the corrective action. If the partial FAI does not clear all nonconformances, the FAI is still Not Complete and the requirement to complete the FAI is still in effect. Note: a full FAI may be done in lieu of a partial FAI.

F6. Question:
How are unique characteristic numbers established?

F6. Response:
Standards provide requirements and cannot provide methods. You may use any technique that provides traceability from the engineering to the FAI report.

F7. Question:
Is N/A required to be entered on fields that do not contain information?

F7. Answer:
This needs to be defined in your QMS procedures.

F8. Question:
In the definition of First Article Inspection, what is the meaning of independent as used in 9102?

F8. Answer:
The person that verifies the characteristic for the First Article cannot be the same person that generated the characteristic. Self-inspection is not permitted (ie. operator self-verification). Also, the equipment used to verify the characteristic needs to be different from the equipment used to produce the characteristic.

F9. Question:
What is expected for evidence of characteristics that are not able to be verified in the final product?

F9. Answer:
Characteristics not measurable in the final product shall be verified during the manufacturing process, as long as they are not affected by subsequent operations, or by destructive means. Characteristics verified at the detail level may be referenced in the assembly-level FAIR. Your FAI process should address objective evidence to be included in the FAIR for each design characteristic.